Non-Functioning Pituitary Tumor

About half of all pituitary tumors are what is called non-functioning tumors. This means that they do not produce any hormones themselves. But the presence and position of the tumor can cause headaches, vision problems or put pressure on the pituitary gland, causing it to stop producing the needed amount of one or more hormones. This leads to hypopituitarism.

Symptoms

The specific symptoms of a non-functioning pituitary tumor will depending on its location and its impact on surrounding tissues such as the pituitary gland, the optic nerves or the hypothalamus.

Each of the symptoms described above occur in response to the loss of one or more of the hormones produced by the pituitary. Decrease in the production of only one hormone would not lead to all the symptoms described above.

Diagnosis

The first step in the diagnostic process is to confirm that hypopituarism is present. Once that is confirmed, the next step is to identify and locate the non-functioning tumor.

Symptoms of hypopituitarism tend to be general and can resemble other conditions, including anorexia nervosa, chronic liver disease and hemachromatosis. An accurate diagnosis is essential before treatment is started.

Blood tests to measure the amount of different hormones in the blood. In particular, tests should be done for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and ACTH. A lack of these hormones can be life-threatening. Prolactin levels may also be measured.

Treatments

Once the missing hormone(s) have been identified, treatment consists of replacing the hormones produced by the target glands.

If the causes of the lack of hormones is a pituitary tumor, surgery may be needed as well. Some endocrinologists also prescribe drugs that work with dopamine (dopamine agonist drugs) such as bromocriptine, pergolide or cabergoline to treat prolactinomas. Radiation may also be used in addition to surgery and drug therapy.